Double Take by Elizabeth Breck

A mystery, yes, but with elements of self-discovery, self-realization, acceptance and other human life dimensions that assist in resolving the mystery. Madison Kelly, a well-respected private detective, is hired by Travis Moore to find his girlfriend Barrett Anna Brown, an investigative reporter who has been missing for five days, or has she? According to Travis, the police have done little, so he needs her well-known expertise. As the investigation continues, the author poses many questions in the readers mind—why did Barrett go missing, is someone responsible, and many others in this intriguing and captivating read. Madison must resolve many obstacles thrown at her and possible harm, through trickery, careful planning and thought to find Barrett hopefully alive. One of the first questions is, did Barrett disappear voluntarily? Clues are gathered quickly but they present further possible hurdles and crimes, which add to the investigative plot. With many twists and turns plus some surprises, the mystery might be resolved but to whose satisfaction, since multiple characters become involved—some for the good and some not working for the betterment of the people they represent. Is this connected to the larger story Barrett was chasing thus changing the focus of the investigation (or was she involved in the larger story) and is Madison satisfied with her investigation in this multi-layer mystery?
One note, the first two chapters are the resolution of Madison’s first case to set the background of her investigation skills, thought process and resolve.
The author Elizabeth Breck is a licensed private investigator thus understands and is able to portray realistically the mindset of the fictional detective Madison Kelly as she might proceed in true life. An intriguing and rewarding read. Highly recommended!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest opinion. The views expressed by this reviewer are entirely my own.